Pasta with Basil and Tomato Sauce

Pasta with basil and tomato sauce is one of the most classic, comforting dishes you can make. With its vibrant colors and aromatic blend of fresh ingredients, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in the easiest way possible. The sauce, made from ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, highlights the freshness of seasonal ingredients, creating a light yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

This recipe is all about simplicity, letting the natural flavors of the tomatoes and basil shine through. It’s perfect for both beginner cooks and those looking for a quick, delicious dinner that doesn’t require too much time in the kitchen. The result is a flavorful, balanced dish that pairs perfectly with pasta.

In this article, we’ll walk through the steps of making this classic dish, from preparing the sauce to cooking the pasta just right.

Ingredients

To make this flavorful pasta dish, you’ll need:

• 400g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 large bunch of fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparing the Tomatoes

For this recipe, ripe, juicy tomatoes are key. Start by blanching them to remove the skins easily. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then make small slits in the tomato skins and submerge them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove them and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water. The skins should peel off easily.

Once peeled, roughly chop the tomatoes into small chunks. These will break down into the sauce as they cook, adding texture and flavor to the dish.

2. Making the Basil and Tomato Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.

Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them together with the garlic and oil. Let the tomatoes simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, the tomatoes will begin to break down and release their juices, forming a sauce.

Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up slightly.

3. Adding the Basil

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the basil. Pick the leaves from the stems and chop them roughly. Basil is best added at the end of the cooking process to retain its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the chopped basil, allowing its aromatic oils to infuse the sauce. Stir gently and let the basil warm through for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll immediately notice how the fresh basil elevates the simple tomato sauce with its fragrance and flavor.

4. Cooking the Pasta

As your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an "al dente" texture—firm to the bite but cooked through.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it, but reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help bind it to the pasta and create a silky texture.

5. Combining Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the basil and tomato sauce. Toss everything together over low heat, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a smoother consistency.

Toss the pasta in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Serving and Garnishing

Your basil and tomato pasta is now ready to be served! Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. If you enjoy cheese, grate some Parmesan over the top for a salty, savory finish.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is at its freshest.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Pasta Dish

• Tomato Quality: The quality of the tomatoes is crucial for this recipe. Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute with high-quality canned tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, but fresh is always preferred for this dish.

• Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for this recipe, as its flavor will shine through in the simplicity of the sauce. A drizzle of extra olive oil at the end can also add richness to the dish.

• Pasta Water: Don't forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! The starch in this water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, giving it a luscious, silky texture. Adding just a little at a time allows you to control the consistency of the sauce.

• Herb Variations: While basil is the star of this dish, you can experiment with adding other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley. These herbs will bring their own unique flavors to the sauce.

• Cheese: While Parmesan is a popular choice for this dish, feel free to use other types of hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a more robust flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta with basil and tomato sauce is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create a truly flavorful and satisfying meal. The key lies in using fresh, high-quality produce and letting the natural flavors of the tomatoes and basil speak for themselves.

The fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic quality that perfectly complements the rich, tangy tomatoes, while the garlic adds depth and warmth to the dish. The olive oil ties everything together with its richness, creating a balanced, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

The simplicity of the recipe also makes it incredibly versatile. You can enjoy this pasta as a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even as a side dish to a larger meal. The minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking process make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Enjoy making and savoring this delightful pasta with basil and tomato sauce. It's a timeless dish that brings the freshness of the Mediterranean to your kitchen, using only a handful of ingredients to create a meal full of flavor and satisfaction.